Health insurance
Having health insurance usually means that you pay monthly installments, and in return, your health plan pays a portion of the bill when you need the services of a doctor or other provider to maintain your health or treat an illness. Health insurance usually covers doctor visits, medications, medical services, and surgery.
There are several different ways to get health insurance. Some people buy coverage by themselves. Many people get coverage through their work or the work of a family member. Others are covered through public programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Government insurance regulators provide oversight of some of these types of health insurance. Different regulatory agencies are responsible for other types of coverage. Discover ways to get health coverage below:
Buy health insurance yourself
When you or your family buy health insurance and are not part of a group that gets health coverage together (such as an employer), you are considered to have “individual” coverage. Many people choose to purchase individual market coverage through the Medical insurance marketplace, either Healthcare.gov or their state marketplace. Purchases through the market are allowed for those who qualify for special tax credits to help cover their costs.
An insurance agent or broker can help you choose an individual market plan, or your state may have health insurance “navigators” or other helpers in the community to help you.
While the market only offers health insurance (and dental coverage) that requires certain requirements for benefits and coverage, other types of health insurance are available to buy yourself.
These other types of insurance cover a limited range of health care services and may choose not to cover you or charge you more if you have a pre-existing health condition. See the list of other types of health insurance below.
Assists state insurance regulators in enforcing consumer protection laws and other insurance laws for individual insurance markets in their states. To find out how to contact the insurance commissioner in your state, see the Members section.
Other types of health insurance
Short term and limited duration insurance
This insurance covers some of the same types of services as comprehensive health insurance, but is not required to provide the full range of basic health benefits. Plans typically cover a smaller portion of the cost of services compared to comprehensive health insurance.
This means that you may pay less in insurance premiums, but enrollees pay more when they need health care services. Applicants may be denied plans or charged more if they have pre-existing medical conditions.
Cover basic hospital expenses Health Insurance
This insurance covers a period usually not less than 31 days of continuous care in the hospital and some outpatient services at the hospital.
Covering basic medical expenses
This insurance covers the costs associated with necessary surgery, including a certain number of days of hospital care.
Hospitalization reimbursement coverage
This insurance pays a fixed amount for every day spent in the hospital.
Incident coverage only
This amount is paid in a lump sum when the subscriber suffers from death, dismemberment, disability, hospitalization and medical care caused by an accident.
Covered illness specified
This insurance covers the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases or illnesses, such as cancer.
Providing long-term care
Long-term care insurance typically pays for skilled and intermediate care and nursing home care, as well as care in other settings, such as the home, an adult day care center, or an assisted living facility. Usually the policy pays a fixed amount per day while the person is receiving care.
Other limited coverage
You can buy insurance that covers only dental or vision or any other specific care.